6 Tech Certifications to Add to Your Resume in 2024

Technology is constantly changing, with new trends, applications, possibilities, and expectations for industry professionals always emerging. Obtaining tech certifications can help you enter the tech field or remain relevant and competitive in the job market while ensuring you have the skills to support your future career goals. In some cases, certifications can also complement existing skill sets, making a job candidate more versatile and may lead to a higher salary than non-certified tech professionals. Based on CompTIA's 2023 IT Skills and Salary Report, IT professionals with one or more certifications can earn an average of $101,011 per year, compared to $87,907 for those without certifications. For professionals who are certified, this represents an increase of 14.9%. If you’re looking to expand your resume and demonstrate your skills, here are some tech certifications to pursue in 2024 and ways to prepare for the exams.

CompTIA Security+

Many companies consider the CompTIA Security+ certification a prerequisite for security-related positions, like security analyst, network security administrator, and security engineer. This internationally recognized certification validates your understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. For programmers, the CompTIA Security+ certification can help you understand the security risks associated with coding, write more secure code, grasp the importance of security in the software development lifecycle, and get a job in cybersecurity. The exam will test your knowledge of secure software development, encryption, access control, and other security-related topics. The SkillSoft 2023 IT Skills and Salary Report reveals that 76% of hiring managers are looking for CompTIA Security+ certified professionals. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a Comptia Security+ entry level role in the U.S. is $71,869.

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification

This entry-level certification validates your understanding of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud platform, concepts, and services. If you're interested in a career in cloud computing, this is a great certification to start with. SkillSoft also reports that 54% of hiring managers surveyed were looking for AWS certified cloud practitioner candidates. According to ZipRecruiter, the average entry-level AWS cloud practitioner salary in the U.S. is $85,866. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification is beneficial for coders because it provides a foundational understanding of cloud computing and enhances their cloud development skills. This certification can lead to career advancements, increased versatility, and preparation for further certifications. Positions that utilize this certification may include cloud architect, cloud security engineer, DevOps engineer, and cloud solutions architect.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification demonstrates your expertise in designing, deploying, and managing complex AWS solutions. It's ideal for experienced IT professionals who want to specialize in cloud architecture. Professional-level certifications can instill trust and confidence in clients for coders or other tech professionals in consulting or client-facing roles. It shows their ability to design and implement scalable and robust solutions on AWS. This certification is also attractive to hiring managers. SkillSoft's report found that 73% of hiring managers are actively seeking AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional candidates. The average salary for AWS certified solutions architect professionals is $145,963 per year in the U.S., reports ZipRecruiter. Roles like principal cloud architect, cloud enterprise architect, and cloud solutions architect use this certification.

Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate

The Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate certification validates individuals' proficiency in managing various aspects of the Azure cloud platform, including virtual machines, storage accounts, and networking. This certification signifies expertise in deploying, configuring, and efficiently managing virtualized instances, a crucial skill for organizations leveraging Azure's scalability. Additionally, it covers storage account administration, emphasizing data handling efficiency, integrity, and backup strategies. The certification also demonstrates competence in configuring and maintaining Azure's networking infrastructure, ensuring secure communication and effective traffic management. Beyond personal development, it opens up new career opportunities, as employers recognize and prioritize candidates with this certification for its alignment with industry standards and direct relevance to Azure-based operational needs. Microsoft Azure administrators in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $105,355, according to ZipRecruiter. There are many roles where this certification is useful, such as cloud administrator, cloud systems administrator, and Azure DevOps engineer.

AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty

An individual with an AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty certification is able to craft, develop, and maintain data analytics solutions tailored to the AWS platform. Designed for professionals such as data analysts, data scientists, and those who handle extensive datasets, this certification is highly sought after. The SkillSoft report indicates that 59% of hiring managers actively seek professionals holding the AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty credential, underscoring its relevance and desirability in the industry.

Furthermore, the certification not only signifies recognition in the job market but also translates into tangible financial benefits. Data scientists with AWS skills earn an average annual salary of $103,000, according to Payscale. This salary benchmark underscores the value placed on the specialized skills and expertise demonstrated by AWS certified data analytics specialty professionals. The AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty certification can help coders advance their careers into roles such as data architect, data engineer, and data scientist.

Microsoft Azure Security Technologies:

The Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certification validates expertise in securing Azure resources, catering to roles like cloud security engineers, security architects, and security analysts. It signifies a comprehensive skill set crucial for ensuring the security of cloud-based infrastructures.

Obtaining this certification offers substantial benefits, including the potential for increased earnings. For example, ZipRecruiter reports Azure security engineers earn an average salary of $152,773 per year. This certification also provides avenues for career advancement, paving the way to senior-level positions and bolstering job security amid the anticipated growth in demand for Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certified professionals. The SkillSoft report highlights that 64% of hiring managers actively seek individuals with this certification, emphasizing its relevance in today's job market driven by the popularity of Azure. As a certified professional, you can pursue a variety of careers, including cloud security engineer, security architect, and security analyst.

How to Prepare for Tech Certification Exams

To ace your tech certification exams and pursue your career competitive edge, start by understanding your career goals and the exam format and objectives thoroughly. Next, create a study plan and utilize resources like official materials, online courses, practice exams, and study groups to enhance your learning. Online short courses and tech bootcamps from Fullstack Academy can help teach you the skills and knowledge you need to take the exams, giving you a more structured approach to your learning and preparation. While bootcamps can be advantageous for professionals looking to advance their careers, the programs can be especially beneficial for individuals looking to launch a career and gain certifications. Bootcamps like those offered by Fullstack Academy offer accelerated training in in-demand skills and preparation for industry-recognized certifications, giving you the experience to enter the field and knowledge to utilize in exams. By investing in your professional development, you can potentially unlock exciting career opportunities, earn higher salaries, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.